This paper applies insights from the work of Fernand Braudel to the problem of correlating archaeology and native history in Postclassic central Mexico. Two aspects of Braudel's model of hierarchical temporal rhythms are emphasized. First, Braudel's theoretical construct provides a useful framework for conceptualizing past time and processes of change in complex societies. Second, his empirical findings on the diverse types of socioeconomic change and their rhythms contribute to the dialectical interaction between changing research questions and chronological refinement. These points are illustrated through an examination of archaeological and native historical data on processes of socioeconomic change in Postclassic central Mexico. Greater attention to temporal rhythms and chronological issues leads to more successful archaeological/historical correlation in central Mexico and thereby helps advance our understanding of processes of change.